Iowa Pesticide Applicator Practice Exam

What is the purpose of the Worker Protection Standard (WPS)?

1. To protect wildlife from pesticides

2. To protect employees from occupational exposure

3. To regulate pesticide production

4. To prevent pesticide drift into urban areas

The correct answer is: To protect employees from occupational exposure

The Worker Protection Standard (WPS) is specifically designed to safeguard agricultural workers and pesticide handlers from the risks associated with pesticide exposure. This regulation mandates certain safety measures to minimize potential health hazards resulting from occupational pesticide use. The WPS outlines specific requirements for training, access to information about pesticides, proper use of personal protective equipment, and emergency procedures. The standard emphasizes the need for employers to provide a safe working environment by ensuring workers are informed about the products they might encounter and the potential hazards associated with them. By requiring labeling and safety data sheets to be made available, as well as providing information on restricted entry intervals, the WPS prioritizes the well-being of employees working in agricultural settings where pesticides are applied. Other options, such as protecting wildlife or regulating pesticide production, are not the focus of the WPS. The standard directly relates to human health and safety, specifically for those who might be exposed to pesticides in their occupational roles.